Decisions: UMD vs. UCLA vs. Elliott

[PeterP]

After taking funding into consideration, it looks like the affordable options are UMD, UCLA (Luskin) and GW Elliott. I'm straight out of undergrad and am interested in interested in international economic policy. My undergrad is from a liberal arts college, so I feel like I've got a good grasp of IR and economic theoy, but lack skill-based training. Any thoughts on the differences between these three programs? I like the overall reputation of UCLA and I love the area, but I'm not sure how much of a disadvantage it is to get a policy degree on the west coast.

[MYRNIST]

I would go with GW. You have no work experience and need to get some. DC has lots of opportunities, whether unpaid internships or actual jobs, to gain professional experience while going to school. Especially since all GW's classes are at night, meaning you can easily do both.